Interspecific tree &#34;Flavor Queen&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinctive interspecific tree (Plum×Plum Cot); its novelty consists of the following unique combination of desirable features. 
     1. The ability to be a regular and productive bearer of large size fruit. 
     2. Fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality. 
     3. Fruit having a high degree of soluble solids (average 18.1 Brix). 
     4. Vigorous semi-spreading growth. 
     5. The ability of the fruit to stay firm on the tree 12-15 days after maturity (shipping ripe). 
     6. Uniform ripening of the fruit throughout the tree.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of interspecific tree (Plum×PlumCot) was originated by us in the experimental orchard located nearModesto, Calif. as a first generation seedling from a cross betweenMariposa Plum (non-patented) and a selected seedling with theidentification number 4G1180. The pollen parent 4G1180 (Plum Cot)originated from a seedling of open pollinated seed of Red Beaut Plum(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,539) which had crossed with an apricot of unknownparentage.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

The present variety of interspecific tree was asexually reproduced bybudding, as performed by us in the experimental orchard located atModesto, Calif. and shows that said characteristics of the tree and itsfruit come true to form and are established and transmitted throughsucceeding propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree (Plum×Plum Cot) whichis of large size, vigorous, medium dense, semi-spreading growth and aregular and productive bearer of large, yellow flesh clingstone fruit.The present variety of interspecific tree is further characterized as toits novelty by producing fruit that will hold firm on the tree 12 to 15days after maturity (shipping ripe), having firm flesh texture which ismore characteristic of plum than apricot, being excellent in flavor andeating quality and having higher soluble solids (Average 18.1 Brix) thanmost commercial plums.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying color photographs show typical specimens of the fruitand foliage of the new interspecific variety, with the exterior andcross sectional view of the fruit divided in the suture plane to revealflesh coloration, pit cavity and showing a stone remaining in place. Thephotographs were taken shortly after being picked (firm ripe) and thecolors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a colorrepresentation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the newinterspecific tree, its fruit and foliage as based on observations ofspecimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color terminology (exceptthose in common terms) in accordance with Reinhold Color Atlas by A.Kornerup and J. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Form.--Semi-spreading.

Density.--Medium dense.

Shape.--Usually pruned to vase shape.

Bearer.--Regular.

Production.--Productive.

Trunk:

Size.--Medium to large.

Surface.--Shaggy.

Color.--Brown to grayish brown (6-D-4) to (6-E-3).

Branches:

Size.--Medium to large.

Surface.--Medium rough.

Lenticels.--Few in number. Small size.

Color.--New growth -- green to reddish brown. Mature growth -- brown tograyish brown.

Leaves:

Size.--Medium to large. Average width -- 11/2" to 13/4". Average length-- 41/4" to 5".

Texture.--Smooth.

Petiole.--Average length -- 3/4".

Form.--Oblanceolate. Pointed.

Margin.--Serrulate.

Glands.--Globose. Size -- small to medium. Number varies from 1 to 3.Average number 2.

Color.--Upper surface -- green to deep green (28-F-6) to (28-F-8). Lowersurface -- dull green to green (28-E-5) to (28-E-7).

Flower buds:

Size.--Medium.

Length.--Medium.

Form.--Plump, free.

Flowers:

Size.--Medium.

Color.--White to pale pink.

Blooming period.--Date of first bloom Mar. 1, 1987. Date of full bloomMar. 6, 1987. Varies slightly with climatic conditions.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--July 20, 1987.

Date of last picking.--July 28, 1987.

Size.--Medium to large -- 21/4" to 23/8". Average diameter axially 2" to21/8".

Form.--Nearly globose. Flattened at stem and apex.

Suture.--Shallow -- most fruit round with some fruit being flat to veryslightly lipped.

Base.--Retuse.

Apex.--Retuse.

Cavity.--Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane. Average depth --3/8". Average breadth -- 3/8".

Flesh:

Texture.--Firm.

Fibers.--Few-tender.

Ripens.--Evenly.

Flavor.--Excellent, sweet, mild, subacid.

Juice.--Moderate.

Aroma.--Slight.

Eating quality.--Excellent.

Color.--Yellow to grayish yellow. (3-B-8) to (4-B-7).

Skin:

Thickness.--Thin to medium.

Texture.--Medium. Tenacious to flesh.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Down.--Wanting.

Color.--Olive yellow to yellow -- (2-B-8) to (3-C-8).

Stone:

Type.--Clingstone.

Size.--Medium. Average length -- 1". Average width -- 3/4". Averagebreadth -- 1/2".

Form.--Ovid.

Sides.--Mostly equal -- some unequal.

Ridges.--Sharp ridges extending across the surface of the stone on bothsides of suture plane.

Surface.--Slightly pitted throughout.

Apex.--Cuspidate.

Base.--Rounded to straight.

Tendency to split.--None.

Color.--Varies from brown to golden brown (5-D-5) to (5-D-7).

Use: Dessert.

Market.--Local and long distance.

Keeping quality: Good.

Shipping quality: Fair to good.

The interspecific tree, its foliage, flowers and fruit herein describedmay vary in slight detail due to climatic, soil and environmentalconditions under which the variety may be grown; the present botanicaldescription being of the variety grown at Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree, asillustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous,semi-spreading growth and a productive and regular bearer of large,firm, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit; the fruit is further characterizedby staying firm on the tree 12 to 15 days after maturity, havingexcellent flavor and eating quality with a high degree of soluble solids(average 18.1 Brix) and having good storage quality.